Violent Clashes Erupt Between Iranian Monarchists and Regime Supporters Outside London Mosque
Shocking scenes of violence erupted on the streets of London on Friday night as supporters of Iran's current regime and monarchists advocating for the return of the Pahlavi dynasty clashed outside a prominent mosque. The confrontation took place near the Islamic Centre of England in Maida Vale, drawing significant police intervention and leaving a teenage boy injured.
Chaos on the Streets of Maida Vale
Scores of protesters from opposing factions gathered on opposite sides of the road close to the Islamic Centre of England at approximately 7.35pm. Supporters of Reza Pahlavi, the son of Iran's last king, were seen wrapped in the pre-1979 Islamic Revolution flag featuring the iconic sun and lion emblem. They stood alongside individuals waving Israeli and American flags, creating a volatile international dimension to the domestic Iranian political dispute.
Across the road, positioned closest to the mosque entrance, a separate group of Iranian regime supporters began exchanging heated verbal jabs with the monarchist contingent. Footage from the scene shows the shouting intensifying dramatically before the situation escalated into physical violence on a zebra crossing.
Violence Erupts and Subsides
Motorists were brought to an abrupt halt as protesters began kicking and punching their opponents in the middle of the road. The violent exchange left a 17-year-old boy with a head injury, though he reportedly did not require medical assistance after being assessed at the scene.
As quickly as the violence erupted, it soon subsided, with both groups retreating to their respective sides while continuing to shout across the road at one another. One campaigner could be heard screaming 'Javid Shah!' and 'Long Live the King' as the footage concluded, highlighting the deep political divisions on display.
Police Response and Historical Context
Metropolitan Police officers arrived at the scene around 7.35pm following reports of the violent clash and successfully dispersed the groups. No arrests were made initially, though police confirmed that investigations are ongoing and that they are reviewing footage circulating on social media along with available CCTV evidence.
The Islamic Centre of England has previously been the site of altercations between groups who support and oppose the current Iranian regime. This latest incident emerged as US and Israeli military action in the region continued for its seventh consecutive day, with Iran bracing for what was anticipated to be its heaviest night of bombardment.
Controversial History of the Islamic Centre
Earlier in the week, the mosque courted significant controversy after hosting a vigil for the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The prayer service took place just one day after the Iranian Supreme Leader was killed by joint US-Israeli airstrikes over Tehran, with the centre describing Khamenei in a social media post as 'a great martyr.'
This same terminology had been applied by the mosque to Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps General Qassim Soleimani after he was killed in a US drone strike in January 2020. The mosque held a candlelight memorial for Soleimani, who was considered the right-hand man of Khamenei before his assassination.
In October 2022, Seyed Hashem Moosavi, the centre's director, delivered a speech in which he described Iranian protesters against the regime as 'enemies' and 'soldiers of Satan.' Moosavi also stated that women who refused to wear hijabs were guilty of spreading 'poison.'
Ongoing Investigations and Political Pressure
A month after Moosavi's controversial remarks, the Charity Commission launched a full-scale statutory inquiry over concerns that the ICE has promoted the Iranian regime's agenda. This investigation could potentially see the mosque stripped of its charitable status, and the inquiry remains ongoing.
The centre was also highlighted in a letter submitted by Labour MPs to Security Minister Dan Jarvis earlier this week calling for tougher action on organisations linked to the Iranian state. The MPs warned that these organisations, including the ICE, 'appear to be actively promoting the Iranian regime's ideology and interests.'
Centre's Response and Police Statement
The Islamic Centre of England has stated on its website that it is an independent religious charity and not an 'official office or representative body of any government, political entity, or individual.' A statement added: 'The centre does not represent, promote, or advocate for the political views or agendas of any state, figure or regime. Its religious guidance is confined to matters of faith, ethics, and spirituality.'
A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police told reporters: 'Officers are investigating a disturbance which took place outside a mosque in Maida Vale on Friday March 6. Police were called to reports of a disturbance at 19.35 and were on the scene within minutes. A 17-year-old boy approached officers to report that he received a head injury. He was assessed at the scene but did not require medical assistance.'
The police confirmed that officers remained in the area until the group dispersed and that no arrests have been made at this stage. A dispersal order has been implemented to prevent further disorder as investigations continue into this violent political confrontation on London's streets.
